In March 1998, I discovered I had cancer. The disease had been growing in my body for a time, but God orchestrated an event to help me fight this deadly disease.
While driving to make a pastoral call at a local hospital, I was rear-ended at a traffic light by a fuel tanker. The impact pushed my car through the busy intersection without incident, but my car was badly damaged. The Emergency Medical Service personnel persuaded me to go by ambulance to the hospital for a quick X-ray. Little did I realize that decision was one that would help doctors find the cancer. A CT scan led me to an oncologist’s office the next morning.
To say that my life was turned upside down would be an understatement. I was the new senior pastor at Fort Mitchell Baptist Church, and recently married to Rachael, and the next season of our lives was unimaginable. My wife’s devotion to my ongoing care and the church’s attentive response to my family’s needs stand as a testimony of God’s grace.
Twenty-five years have passed and the lessons from my 12 months of chemotherapy and radiation continue with me to this very day. I am a proponent of modern medicine and stand in awe of researchers, doctors, nurses and specialists in this field. While there are countless lessons that I have learned from dealing with cancer, here are five that standout on this day:
GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU: Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (KJV). There were many days and countless nights that this verse was reassuring. God often used His word to bring comfort and direction to me. Each day that I was able to walk in the neighborhood, I thought of Philippians 4:4-8, and experienced “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God protected my heart and mind in this challenging battle. After receiving some negative news after one appointment, I went to my church parking lot and just spoke “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13). The power that came from that time of prayer gave me real strength.
THE CHURCH WANTS TO HELP: I will always love FMBC because of the care they had for me. I preached every Sunday but one during treatments. I would take the chemotherapy and radiation treatments on Mondays and was able to deliver God’s word on the Lord’s day. I believe God used those Sundays to provide a first-hand witness to His healing power. Church attendance grew during this season and my faith was forever changed. Yes, the church followed James 5:14 and anointed me with oil and prayed over me. On a lighter note, I once said I like chicken noodle soup — the next week we received more than 30 different varieties at our home. Share your story because the people of God are good!
PEOPLE CAN BE CURIOUS: When you look sickly, bald with a weakened demeanor, it makes for an interesting public response. I learned patience and respect. Many folks would ask thoughtful and caring questions while others were troubled. I received one phone call from a stranger saying I would die if I didn’t allow him to conduct a certain ritual. I explained I was a Christian and knew that God would be glorified and would trust in Him and my doctors. I became close friends with teenagers at the local Dairy Queen because I would reward myself with my favorite treat after each treatment. Those kids really cheered me on! The night I lost all my hair, Rachael and I were scheduled to attend a social gathering. I decided to “go out bald” for the very first time. Upon arrival at the venue, another cancer survivor, Viola Kinman, gave me a hug and walked with me and Rachael into the event. God puts the right people in the right spots every time.
GOD CAN TURN A BAD THING INTO A GOOD: I am living Romans 8:28. Cancer is terrible. Cancer treatments are hard to endure. Cancer recovery never really ends. It is your constant uninvited guest. I will have medical issues until He calls me home. However, I have been able to minister to many cancer patients, family members and congregations through this cancer journey. The first chemotherapy treatment I took, I met a woman who was graduating that day. She lived across the street from my church. The next Sunday she came to lift my spirits, but later said “God spoke to her!” That is one of countless examples of how God took a terrible thing and turned into a good. Allow God to use your “bad situation” and turn it into good. Only in heaven will we know how He used it to build His kingdom.
FAMILY MATTERS: My wife Rachael deserves the accolades. She was there for the bad nights, bathroom cleanups and constant care. She would take the calls, schedule appointments and drive me when I could barely stand. God blessed me with a wonderful person to live this life with. My parents, siblings and relatives were all positive in this cancer battle. I do believe that having a positive attitude is important in this struggle. Read uplifting stories and keep smiling on the journey. It is normal to ask questions, but each time allow God enough time to give His answers. Often His response will be through — people, events, Scripture and the still small voice through which He speaks.
I am a cancer survivor but not a conqueror. I am forever grateful to God, my family, the doctors and countless people there were there for me. If you see someone walking through the shadows of death, allow God to use you to be His light. You have been called for such a time as this!
French Harmon is president of the Kentucky Baptist Foundation.
The information in this article is provided as general information and is not intended as legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, you should seek the advice of an attorney or other professional adviser.
This article was reposted from Kentucky Today.